AI for Engineering Design and Advanced Materials Forming - Project 2

About the project

About the Project Applications are invited for two PhD studentships at the interface of lightweight design, materials forming, mechanics, simulation, and artificial intelligence for future mobility applications. The funding routes are not tied to fixed topics. Both PhDs will use AI as an enabling research method, while the balance of experiments, forming physics, modelling and simulation will be shaped around the successful candidates. Potential research themes include: AI-enabled lightweight design and optimisation: developing design and modelling tools that account for manufacturability and structural performance, potentially spanning geometric representation, rapid prediction, and integrated optimisation of component design, materials and forming conditions. Physics-grounded materials forming and process development: combining material characterisation, forming experiments, mechanics and finite element modelling with AI-enabled prediction or optimisation to develop trustworthy methods grounded in physical understanding and experimental evidence. Email an up-to-date CV, academic transcripts and a brief statement of research interests to nan.li@imperial.ac.uk using the subject line “PhD application – AI-driven lightweight design and manufacturing – [surname]”. Please include degree classifications and marks/GPA where available. A short indication of research interests is welcome but not required. Open until filled; first-round interviews are expected in September 2026 Potentially suitable candidates will be invited to discuss project fit and to submit a formal application through Imperial's online system. Guidance is available at Applying for a PhD in Design Engineering . Applicants must also meet Imperial's academic and English-language requirements.

Research areas